OK folks and gurus I have more questions again. What else is new from a first time cruiser right

A) NYC Embarkation.. what is involved? Is there alot of hurry up and wait or is it first come first serve and you actually get on in a timely manner?

B) Wondering about formal wears. I know it is supposed to be freestyle and casual is fine but is there anytime when Bermuda Shorts and Dock shoes will not be allowed? Is there a dress up night offered (I looked and never found the answer on either NCLs website or anywheres else)

C) Packages. I see they offer embarkation packages which include dinner and wine at the french resturant plus spa stuff and other things. I was just wondering if it would just be cheaper to book the stuff seperate or do you recomend the package deals? We were looking at the Romance package at $249. Seemed pricey for what is offered.

Thanks for any help you all can give. You have been a big help with my other questions and concerns.

A) Usually it's smooth as silk embarking at New York, but it can be hurry up and wait if the ship is late upon arriving, or there's more than one ship embarking/disembarking that day.
B) No shorts are allowed in the Dining Rooms. But on cruises to Bermuda, you are allowed to wear kilts if you are wearing tartan knee high socks and Bermuda shorts if you are wearing knee high black socks.
C) The romance package is a great deal, the spa treatments aren't cheap.

Jude, we've embarked in NY several times, and I agree with Ron that it isn't always easy to predict how smoothly embarkation will be.

That said, I do have one piece of advice. NYC is such a marvelous port from which to leave that I urge you to stay out on deck as long as possible. As you head down the Hudson River, the Manhattan skyline will be to your left. Soon after passing the tip of Manhattan, move to the right side of the ship to have a spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty. Then, go up to the highest deck (if you are not there already) for an amazing trip under the Verrazano Bridge. Trust me, this is not to be missed.

Thanks folks. Just trying to get all my ducks in order for the first cruise. Thanks for the clothing recomendations. I didnt realize that shorts were not allowed. Guess I gotta pack some dockers or dress slacks Oh well just a minor tweak to the packing.

Thanks for the advise on the packages. I did not realize the spas were expensive guess they are not like the pricing in resorts.

Lisa thanks for the advise on the sites around NYC. I actually live and work on the NY/NJ waterfront so I get to see those georgous sights everyday Will be nice to see them from the water insead of the docks

I recall one post that said there was an occasional jingle from the slots, but it was no big deal.
I've never seen anyone complain about noise from an elevator or stairway landing. Usually it's considered a plus. Ten cabins away shoud be ideal.

Originally posted by Chef Ken:
I can't answer specifically but unless someone wins a jackpot and jumps up and down, it shouldn't be bad. Better than having the jogging track above you perhaps. Someone else may have better insight.

Huge jackpot winners don't happen as much as some believe. I don't think the odds of someone winning a huge jackpot is that high, so the likelyhood of someone jumping up and down is very slim.
Being amidship, and under the casino, is a great place to be located for a smooth ride.

Originally posted by Ron Clark:
Being amidship, and under the casino, is a great place to be located for a smooth ride.

Not amidship on my cruise. All the way foward last cabin before the foredeck. Look at a photo of the Spirit and my room window is the one above the E. Basically taking a lickin the whole voyage if its not a smooth ride.